Five Great Crafty Ideas for Librarians and Students

Each year, I ask my student aides to take time to make something to give to a teacher they admire, look up to, or just enjoy.  What we make are book wreaths.  While those take some time (and there are SO MANY to do!), there are others that don't take as long.  Here are five different projects you can make with students using old book pages to give to their favorite administrator, teacher, parent or friend....or even themselves!

1.  Book Wreath: directions for this can be found on:  http://makelyhome.com/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes/  Of course there are ALL sorts, but my first one I ever made was from this site.  This pic is the masterpiece :)

2. Decoupage Ornaments: This next one is from http://www.kinassauerstyle.com/search?q=ornaments where you can take something as simple as a glass (I think plastic would work just as well) and decoupage pages over it, adding glitter or other types of shimmery effects.

3. Paper Christmas Trees: Christmas trees made from old discarded wrapping present cores can be made using book pages.  Think of other places as an educator to get those cardboard cores.  I've saved mine from lamination film.  Here are some simple directions: http://www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com/paper-cone-tree.html

4. Snowflake: Big or small, any book page will work well to make these beautiful snowflakes! Believe it or not, it took me about 30 minutes to make one of these.  I'm sure it'll be easier the more you make.  http://m.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Paper-Snowflake


                       


5. Book Beads: For the jewelry lover, try making book beads to string for a bracelet or necklace.  Or create bigger ones to use as tree garland.  Simply roll one inch strips using a toothpick for smaller beads and other cylindrical objects for larger beads and Modge Podge the outside.  Hint: spray whatever you're using with some spray oil...it'll help loosen up the beads when they're done drying. Also, if doing with tooth picks, set them in water about five minutes before using them

                                                                                https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/20/72187446_5cb115d606_z.jpg?zz=1

And of course, if you need some more ideas, just go over to Pinterest :)  I have a board called "What To Do With Old Books."  http://www.pinterest.com/naomibates/what-to-do-with-old-books/  And there are plenty more!!!  Please share if you have one dedicated to creatively archiving old books